This past weekend, the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 was almost won by a rookie driver. It looked as if J.R. Hildebrand had the race wrapped up, but heading out of the fourth turn (the 800th turn of the race!) Hildenbrand slammed into the wall which allowed Dan Wheldon of Bryan Herta Autosports to slide around and take the checkered flag for his second Indy 500 victory.

“As I got through 3 and 4, out of the corner my eye, I saw him (Hildebrand) hit the fence,” said Wheldon of the bizarre chain of events that unfolded in the race’s closing turn. “I knew you have to make it to the yard of bricks going forward on four wheels, and then it was over and the tears began to come.”

This victory is surely a career rejuvenator for Wheldon, who has been without a ride for the first four races of the IndyCar Series season, but he almost didn’t allow his second 500 victory to happen. After leaving Panther Racing in 2010, Wheldon had made the decision to informally retire to his St. Petersburg home and spend more time with his family. Ironically, it was his family that pushed him back into racing. Wheldon admitted that his return and the victory came at just the right time and at just the right place.

“I especially wanted to win because this is a special occasion, the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500,” Wheldon said. “I love Indy and the state of Indiana has given me such wonderful opportunity. I just really wanted to win this particular race.”

Wheldon now hopes this victory will help secure a ride for the upcoming race in Texas and quite possibly the rest of the 2011 season.